As cats age, they start slowing down and needing even more sleep than before. While a senior cat sleeping most of the day away is the norm, the owner should still monitor its sleep just in case it is disguising an underlying illness, injury, or condition.
A health older cat may sleep between 16 and 20 hours a day. Any more than that could be cause for concern, especially if your cat is especially lethargic or shows sudden personality changes. Quality sleep is key to your senior cat’s continued health, and you can improve its sleep by making sure it has plenty of accessible, warm, and comfy bed options.
For cat sitting services for your older cat, you can call Critter Sitters at (404) 793-6178.
How Many Hours Per Day Should Older Cats Sleep?
Most cats have a reputation for lounging and sleeping, even when they are still adults in their prime. Older, senior cats benefit from even more sleep, so don’t be surprised if your cat’s sleeping habits change some as it ages.
Older cats sometimes sleep for 16 to 20 hours a day, and the same is often true of kittens. Your cat’s adult years will be its most active, and it may sleep only 12 to 16 hours a day.
Senior cats sleep more for many reasons, including reduced energy and mobility. Cats’ personalities can change with time, too, and your older cat may start sleeping longer than before as it mellows out.
What is Too Much Time for an Older Cat to Sleep For?
While older cats sleep more than felines in their prime, excessive sleep could indicate an underlying health issue or other problem, so take your senior cat to the vet if it starts sleeping noticeably more out of nowhere.
If your cat sleeps for over 20 hours a day and has very little active time, consider taking it to the vet. Cats sometimes sleep for longer periods because of discomfort or pain. Cats also try to hide injuries as best they can, and sleeping more can be a telltale sign that something is physically wrong.
If excessive sleep is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a lack of appetite or avoidance of social interaction, have your senior cat checked out to ensure it is in good health.
How Can I Improve My Older Cat’s Sleep?
Sleeping is the best way for senior cats to recharge so that they can be active members of the family during their waking hours. Our cat sitters know some tried-and-true tips for improving an older cat’s sleep, helping keep feline friends healthier for longer.
Provide Comfy Options
Give your cat ample warm, comfortable locations to sleep. You can also provide heated or orthopedic beds, private areas away from constant foot traffic, and sleeping areas that can be reached without jumping or climbing.
If your cat loves to hide when it sleeps, create hiding areas that are comfortable, safe, and easy for you to access to check in during naps.
Follow a Routine
Cats love a good post-meal nap, especially when they can anticipate it. As your cat ages, sticking to its routine becomes even more important. Do your best to feed your cat its meals at the same times every day so that it can get full and sleepy right on time for its next nap.
If you are unavailable and need someone to continue your cat’s routine because you are out of town or busy, put your feline friend in our cat sitters’ very capable hands. Give us instructions for your cat’s routine so we can follow them, and we will.
FAQs About Caring for Older Cats
How Much Sleep is Too Much for Older Cats?
For healthy senior cats, sleeping more than 20 hours a day may be too much and a sign that your cat is sick, injured, or stressed. Sleeping a lot doesn’t always mean there’s a problem, so don’t panic before taking your cat to the vet.
How Much Time Should Older Cats Spend Playing?
Senior cats need stimulus just as much as they need shut-eye, so don’t stop playing with your older cat as it ages. You can change how you play with your cat; however, taking its reduced mobility due to age into account to avoid injury.
Why Do Older Cats Need More Sleep?
Energy levels naturally decrease with age, so sleeping more is inevitable for older cats. Reduced mobility, pain, and even cognitive dysfunction can lead to more sleep.
What if Your Older Cat Doesn’t Sleep Enough?
It can be concerning if your older cat is not sleeping enough and seems agitated or stressed. In this situation, you should also go to the vet to rule out any underlying pain or medical conditions that might be affecting your cat’s sleep.
If you’re worried that your cat is sleeping too much, try engaging in more intentional play and encourage activity.
What Should You Do if Your Older Cat Sleeps Too Much?
If your older cat sleeps too much and is extremely lethargic, make an appointment at the vet. Tell the vet about any other symptoms your cat is showing, in addition to oversleeping, such as refusing food or a change in personality.
Can You Get a Pet Sitter for Your Senior Cat?
Leave your sleepy senior cat in the comfort of its own home when you go out of town, and rely on Critter Sitters’ cat sitters to stop in at least once a day, if not more, to top up that cat’s food and water, make sure it gets some exercise and socialization, or provide some companionship during yet another cat nap.
Rely on Our Cat Sitters to Care for Your Older Cat
Schedule cat sitting services by calling Critter Sitters today at (404) 793-6178.
